Yankees' quiet Anthony Volpe decision has George Lombard Jr. rumors making more sense

Notice anything about the Yankees' lineup construction over the past couple weeks? Notice that Anthony Volpe has just three starts since July 7 and hasn't appeared at all in four contests over that span? Notice how Aaron Boone was essentially told by reporters "it's clear Volpe is no longer a starter" and he didn't have much to say?

And if Tuesday didn't get rained out, Volpe probably would've been on the bench for that one with Bubba Chandler on the mound for the Pirates. Now, he's likely to get a start when Wednesday's doubleheader arrives.

But the point still stands. Volpe is no longer an everyday starter for the Yankees. Everybody can also agree that Caballero is not a suitable everyday shortstop for a team looking to contend for a World Series.

Will the Yankees seek out a shortstop at this year's trade deadline? It's possible. Rumors have circulated around Angels slugger Zach Neto, which would be an awesome acquisition for New York given his age, team control, and the fact he's a solid all-around player. But it's hardly a guarantee he'll be available, and that goes for any other game-changing shortstop.

So that's why the recent George Lombard Jr. rumors are making a ton of sense. According to reports, he's "untouchable" in Yankees trade talks ... and that's probably because Brian Cashman and Co. know their next move.

Will Yankees replace Anthony Volpe with George Lombard Jr. at 2026 trade deadline?

Lombard Jr. has since returned from a finger injury and is back to tearing the cover off the ball. The Yankees view his glove as MLB-ready, and the offense is making the necessary progress for an impact decision come Aug. 3.

Is Lombard Jr. "untouchable" because he's about to become the Yankees' starting shortstop? Or at least an oft-used bench player until he proves he can handle starting reps? It's quite possible, especially with Volpe continuing to sputter out of control (he's 1-for-20 with nine strikeouts with two outs and runners in scoring position this year). There's no question Lombard Jr. cannot be worse than that. And if he offers better defense and versatility, then this feels like a no-brainer if the Yankees believe he's ready for the show.

This would allow for a clean break with Volpe. Send him packing at the deadline, allow him to start fresh elsewhere, and free the payroll of a $4-5 million burden come 2027. He's not moving the needle for the Yankees and this isn't stretching into Year 5 if Lombard has quickly arrived in the rearview (after putting up far superior numbers to Volpe in their early Triple-A exposure).

There is no version of the Yankees where all of Volpe, Caballero, Lombard Jr., Jazz Chisholm Jr., Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario are all in the fold. The Yankees need to clear that logjam and get some reputable outfield help into the mix.

It's felt like the writing's been on the wall for Volpe for quite some time now, and the Yankees just nonchalantly handled the first step in preparing for a divorce. In two weeks' time, we may already be talking about a new era in the Bronx being ushered in.

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